Excitement builds up

VETERAN musician Tom Mawi is excited to see the International Jazz and Bluez Festival scheduled to be held in Suva next week.

The West-based jazz guitarist said the Suva crowd would love the festival because they loved music.

"In Nadi, we have more tourists but the crowd and lifestyle in Suva will be different," Mr Mawi said.

"It's exciting because you know the Suva crowd love music, this genre of music though will be something new but it's good music. They can come for themselves and judge on their own."

Mr Mawi said he always gave his best at every performance and Suva would be no exception.

"International musicians and artists are coming down for this big event, you can't miss it. This is a great opportunity for the local artists and for Fijians to experience something they have never experienced before."

He encouraged the public to take advantage of the opportunity and attend the May 1-4 event.

"Music brings people together. That's a common denominator irrespective of the culture, creed or race. Let's love and enjoy music together and have a good time at the festival."

The festival will be held at the Holiday Inn, O'Reilly's and the Royal Suva Yacht Club.

* Blues harmonica and ukulele player Warwick Murray will feature in the festival. Page 30.